Mizzou guard to medically retire

Mizzou guard Cullen VanLeer has medically retired from basketball. An MU release says the senior will receive a medical exemption.

The exemption will allow VanLeer to keep his scholarship, but it will not count against MU’s team scholarship numbers.

VanLeer suffered a knee injury in Mizzou’s game against Arkansas on March 3. The team says the senior will still play a key leadership role throughout the upcoming season.

“I’m very thankful for the support of Coach Martin and his staff, my teammates, my family and friends, and Mizzou Nation,” VanLeer said in the release. “This was a difficult decision, but one that was best for me, my family and my future quality of life. I’m beyond excited for the season ahead and I’m ready to help lead our team to success in any way I can while I work toward graduation and earning my degree.”

“Cullen is a special young man and I admire his work ethic and his willingness to do everything in his power to better our program,” Martin said in a release. “I appreciate his contributions to the team and I know his leadership will be a significant asset for us during the upcoming season. I look forward to seeing him walk across the stage with a degree in hand in May.”

VanLeer started 33 games in his first three seasons with the Tigers. The Missouri native averaged four points per game.